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The Arts

Freda Kahlo was a fabulous artist from Mexico City (July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954). She was known for her self-portraits, her love of all things growing, and her art’s immersion and reflection in the Mexican culture.

Revered by feminists for the way she used and celebrated the female form, Kahlo has been internationally celebratedas representing both Mexican and the Indigenous traditions in her native country. Her self-portraits, recognizable by her heavy eyebrows and piercing eyes, often feature jewelry of living creatures and backgrounds of lush tropical plants.

A childhood accident resulted in a life-time of health problems and of relative isolation. She said, “I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best.” She often turned to her garden to find peace.

We can only imagine how much she loved her garden; the quiet and calm created by living tropical plants and art is still found in her Garden of La Casa Azul. Imagine her experience if her garden had been in a glass and steel conservatory!

In her Garden of La Casa Azul

Frida Kahlo’s famed Garden of La Casa Azul (Garden of the blue house) is perhaps best known for showing off not only her art but that of her husband’s, Diego Rivera. The focal point is the beginning of a stepped pyramid, built in the style of the Olmecs, the first major Mesoamerican civilization, dating to between 1000 B.C. and 400 B.C. It’s surrounded by lush, tropical plants, herbs and blossoms, highlighting her fascination with growing things.

In addition to the pyramid, a fountain tinkles and there is the quiet of a reflecting pool which mirrors the lushness. Aquatic shells and mirrors decorate the walls. There is an inscription that says: “Frida y Diego / vivieron en / esta casa / 1929-1954” which translates: “Frida and Diego lived in this house – 1929-1954).”

Kahlo grew a variety of inspiring plants, all of which are perfect for growing under glass. Keep in mind, that although Mexico City can become truly chilly it is by and large a truly mild climate. Tropical plants can not only survive in the open, but thrive – and thrive they do in Kahlo’s garden courtyard.

According to an article in The New Yorker magazine called NATIVE SOIL – What Frida Kahlo cultivated, she grew “Jacaranda, oleander, philodendron, roses, sunflowers, fuchsia, marigolds, palms, ferns, fruit trees, and many varieties of cacti and succulents…” Each of these plants would also thrive in a glass conservatory in cold climes. Can you imagine Kahlo luxuriating in a glass and steel conservatory or greenhouse surrounded by her art, the art of people she loved and the native art she found so stimulating? Kahlo’s garden, complete with a truncated pyramid and such a selection of plants almost anywhere one wanted to combine a love of art, plants and warmth.

If Freda Kahlo had designed her Conservatory or Greenhouse?

Historically, greenhouses proceeded conservatories as places to grow plants that couldn’t stand the local year around temperatures. When, in the 19th century, wrought iron allowed structures to be built with supporting columns the fanciful structures of glass and iron, then glass and steel expanded the concept of a greenhouse into special rooms that invited sunlight and warmth for both plants and people, the Victorian conservatory.

Had Kahlo conjured a glass and steel conservatory, she might have asked that the design of a typical Mexican tile be carved via laser into the supporting beams. She would have appreciated the way carved steel adds strength and lightness to a conservatory room. In fact, we suspect she would have loved the idea.

What’s your fantasy for a steel and glass sanctuary?

What inspires you when it comes to imagining your ideal garden? Let your mind soar, then schedule a FREE30 minute consultation with our team to discover how your dream can become real.

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I’ve often been asked ‘What would I like to do that I haven’t already done?’ and the first thing that comes to mind is that I’d like to build a conservatory or glasshouse and design everything that goes inside it.”

-Dale Chihuly

Who is Dale Chihuly?

World famous for his exclusive style in glass sculpture, Chihuly is well known for his exceptional works of cylinders, baskets, towers, Persians, and several others that captivate his audience. From childhood, he was always fascinated with the natural world. He admires the Great Conservatories of the 19th century, as do we, and EXPANDS HIS BOUNDARIES across multiple historic cultures in glass blowing. His favorite works are from the minds of the premierconservatory designers of the 19th century, Lord & Burnham. Once Chihuly discovered the glass in these historic conservatories were ENTIRELY hand blown, he was hooked. Although this passion began as a child, it was not until 2001 that he EMBRACED HIS PASSION and brought his dream to life!

The Journey Begins

In early 2001, Chihuly’s Garden Cycle arose. During this cycle, he began SHOWCASING his work at numerous historic conservatories and gardens throughout the world. Places such as the Garfield Park Conservatory, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, near London gathered thousands to line up to see what new works had evolved from Chihuly’s new exhibit. But in 2012, Chihuly brought something to the world NO ONE expected.

“What would I like to do that I haven’t done already?”

In 2012, the birth of Chihuly Garden and Glass arose in Seattle, Washington and living at the center of this exhibition stands a 40-foot tall glass and steel glasshouse! Created from the minds of Dale Chihuly and architects OWEN RICHARDS, and RYAN SMITH, this glasshouse is a symbol of Chihuly’s lifelong appreciation for conservatories. Inside, beautiful blown glass pieces with RIBBED MOLDS dangle over your head as you walk through the exhibit.

Mark Your Calendar!

We are BIG FANS of Chihuly’s work and are proud to SHARE such a strong PASSION. Today, his work has been presented in more than 240 museums and internationally included in more than 200 museum collections. The Bellagio in Las Vegas will be hosting a BOOK SIGNING November 28th to meet Dale Chihuly. DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE to meet this outstanding artist!

Known for her self-portraits, realistic style, and signature thick eyebrows, Kahlo was viewed by thousands as an ICON of female creativity. But, there was another side to her that was often overlooked.

What was it?

Her NATURAL INSPIRATION!

Elements in several of her works express traditional Hispanic culture with a strong realistic and surrealistic style, but what we often don’t recognize is the other side to Kahlo’s inspiration – the NATURAL WORLD. Kahlo many times sought refuge in her garden, including imagery of foliage, flowers and animals from her garden to stress the close links between animals, humans and the natural land in her work. Her complex use of BOTANICAL IMAGERY celebrates the BEAUTY in plant life and ties to her cultural heritage.

Where’s the connection?

Historically, greenhouses and conservatories were ONE IN THE SAME. During the 19th century, the first conservatories were formerly built to grow plants! They were referred to as “orangeries” due to housing exotic citrus trees in the off-season, but along the way, they began to evolve. Advancing to the 1970’s, conservatories started to become better insulated and serve more as a living space for humans and less for plants.

Just as Frida admired the beauty and value of nature so much that she incorporated its elements in her paintings, we bring out the beauty and value of nature through designing and manufacturing conservatories.

In honor of Kahlo’s beautiful botanical works, the New York Botanical Garden’s Enid Haupt Conservatory is hosting a SIX-MONTH engaging CELEBRATION of Kahlo’s passion for the Natural World! JOIN US and learn about her love, life and artwork through interactive events, music, lectures and more!